Why Choose the RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate?
RapidSSL is owned and operated by DigiCert, one of the world’s largest certificate authorities. That means your RapidSSL Wildcard certificate chains to DigiCert’s root certificates, the same infrastructure behind some of the most trusted SSL products on the market. For a domain validation wildcard at this price point, DigiCert’s trust chain is a significant differentiator.
RapidSSL has been issuing SSL certificates for over two decades. Originally part of Symantec’s certificate business, the brand was transferred to DigiCert in 2017 and now runs on DigiCert’s modern issuance platform. If you’ve used RapidSSL certificates in the past, you’re getting the same trusted name backed by stronger infrastructure.
On price, the RapidSSL Wildcard sits in the mid-range of SSL Dragon’s wildcard SSL certificates. If budget is your primary concern, the GoGetSSL Wildcard SSL starts at $80/yr. It is a solid DV wildcard. With RapidSSL Wildcard, you get DigiCert’s root CA, the RapidSSL brand name, and a $10,000 warranty. Choose based on whether that trust chain and brand recognition matter for your project.
RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate Features
- Domain Validation (DV). The RapidSSL Wildcard is issued through an automated domain validation process. You only need to prove ownership of the domain via email or DNS, with no business documents or phone callbacks required. Most orders are validated and issued in under five minutes.
- Unlimited Subdomain Coverage. A single certificate issued to *.yourdomain.com secures the base domain (yourdomain.com) and all its first-level subdomains: mail.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, blog.yourdomain.com, and any others you add later. Both the www and non-www versions of the root domain are covered automatically.
- 256-Bit Encryption with SHA-256. The certificate provides industry-standard 256-bit encryption strength and uses the SHA-256 hashing algorithm. DigiCert has been issuing 3072-bit RSA keys as the minimum default.
- 99%+ Browser Compatibility. The RapidSSL Wildcard is recognized by virtually all desktop and mobile browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Visitors see the padlock icon and HTTPS prefix without security warnings.
- $10,000 Warranty. RapidSSL backs this certificate with a $10,000 warranty that protects end users against financial losses caused by certificate mis-issuance or validation failures on the CA’s end.
- Static Site Seal. The certificate includes a “Secured by RapidSSL” site seal you can display on your pages. It’s a static image rather than a clickable, dynamic seal, so it won’t show real-time verification details, but it provides a visible trust indicator from a recognized brand.
- Unlimited Server Licensing. Install the RapidSSL Wildcard on as many servers as you need at no additional cost. This is especially useful when your subdomains run on separate servers or hosting environments.
- Free Unlimited Reissues. Reissue the certificate at any time, at no charge. Whether you lose a private key, migrate to a new server, or add subdomains that require a fresh certificate file, reissuance is free throughout your subscription.
What the RapidSSL Wildcard Does Not Cover
The RapidSSL Wildcard secures first-level subdomains only. A certificate issued to *.yourdomain.com will not cover multi-level subdomains like app.staging.yourdomain.com. Each additional subdomain level requires its own wildcard.
This is also a single-domain wildcard, meaning it does not support SAN (Subject Alternative Name) additions for other base domains. If you need to secure multiple domains under one certificate, consider a multi-domain SSL certificate or a multi-domain wildcard certificate.
As a DV certificate, the RapidSSL Wildcard displays domain information only. Visitors won’t see a company name in the certificate details. If your project requires verified organization identity, explore organization validation (OV) wildcard certificates instead.
How to Order Your RapidSSL Wildcard Certificate
Start by generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request) for *.yourdomain.com on your server. Then select your subscription term (1, 2, or 3 years) and complete the purchase.
After checkout, you’ll validate domain ownership through one of two methods: email verification (sent to admin@, administrator@, webmaster@, hostmaster@, or [email protected]) or DNS validation (by adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS). Once validated, the certificate files are issued immediately.
If you choose a multi-year subscription, you’ll receive a discounted rate for the full term. CA/Browser Forum rules cap individual certificate validity at roughly one year, so you’ll need to reissue the certificate annually (free of charge). SSL Dragon sends email reminders before each reissuance is due.
RapidSSL Wildcard SSL FAQ
What is a RapidSSL Wildcard certificate?
It’s a domain-validated wildcard SSL certificate issued by RapidSSL, a DigiCert brand. Issued to *.yourdomain.com, it secures one domain and unlimited first-level subdomains (mail.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, etc.) under a single installation. It provides 256-bit encryption, 99%+ browser compatibility, and a $10,000 warranty.
How long does it take to get a RapidSSL Wildcard certificate?
Typically under five minutes. Domain Validation is fully automated. Once you confirm domain ownership via email or DNS, the certificate is issued immediately.
Can the RapidSSL Wildcard secure multi-level subdomains?
No. A wildcard issued to *.yourdomain.com secures first-level subdomains only (e.g., blog.yourdomain.com). It does not cover deeper levels like app.staging.yourdomain.com. You would need a separate wildcard for each additional subdomain level.
Does the RapidSSL Wildcard support multiple domains?
No. It secures one base domain and its subdomains. To protect multiple domains with a single certificate, consider a multi-domain SSL certificate or a multi-domain wildcard certificate.
How does the multi-year subscription work?
You purchase a 1-, 2-, or 3-year subscription upfront at a discounted rate. Because CA/Browser Forum rules cap certificate validity at approximately one year, you’ll reissue the certificate annually at no extra cost. SSL Dragon sends reminders before each reissuance is due, and the process takes just a few minutes.
How does the RapidSSL Wildcard compare to cheaper wildcard certificates?
SSL Dragon offers DV wildcard certificates starting at $56.33/yr with the Sectigo PositiveSSL Wildcard. The RapidSSL Wildcard costs more but is issued through DigiCert’s infrastructure, carries a well-established brand name, and includes a $10,000 warranty. If DigiCert’s trust chain and the RapidSSL brand matter for your use case, the price difference is justified. If budget is the deciding factor, the Sectigo or GoGetSSL Wildcard options deliver the same encryption standard at a lower wildcard certificate price.
